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Cajun shrimp and rice in a skillet with parsley on top

Cajun Shrimp and Rice

This spicy one pan dish infuses the rice with all of your favorite Cajun flavors, and then it gets topped with tender, perfectly cooked shrimp!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword cajun shrimp and rice
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 185 kcal
Author Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons butter divided
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1 1/2 pounds shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning divided
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 1 3/4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce

Instructions

  1. Add two tablespoons of butter to a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, and red bell pepper and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Remove from the pan to a bowl and set aside.
  2. Melt another two tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Reduce the heat to medium.
  3. Make sure your shrimp is dry. Pat with paper towels if necessary.
  4. While the butter melts, season the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook the shrimp in batches (so you don't overcrowd the pan) for 30-60 seconds per side. Remove to a plate or bowl and set aside.
  5. Add the last two tablespoons of butter to the skillet and turn the heat back up to medium-high. After the butter melts, add the rice. Toast the rice until it is light golden brown, stirring frequently. Add the garlic and sauté with the rice for 30 seconds.
  6. Add the vegetables back to the skillet with the rice and carefully pour in the water, tomato sauce, and remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine.
  7. Cover, bring to a simmer, and reduce the heat to low. Let cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  8. Turn the heat off, add the shrimp to the skillet on top of the rice in a single layer, cover, and let sit for 3 minutes.
  9. Fluff the rice immediately before serving.

Recipe Notes

  • Cajun seasoning blends can be pretty heavy-handed on the salt. You may want to use a low-sodium version, or reserve the last tablespoon until the end when the rice is cooked and taste to see if it needs it.
  • Cajun blends also vary wildly in their spice level. Taste and add some hot sauce at the end if you like more of a kick.
Nutrition Facts
Cajun Shrimp and Rice
Amount Per Serving
Calories 185 Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Trans Fat 0.3g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 23mg8%
Sodium 153mg7%
Potassium 229mg7%
Carbohydrates 24g8%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 2664IU53%
Vitamin C 26mg32%
Calcium 29mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.